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Sue Frause is an American writer and photographer. She's had a major crush on Canada ever since she visited British Columbia as a young girl. Even if your heart doesn't pitter patter over all things Canadian, read on. You'll find photos, travel tips, road notes and the latest news and thoughts about our friends north of the 49th parallel. Cool idea, eh?

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Flying from Canada to US? No carry-ons allowed

Carry-ons at Hong Kong International Airport Photo by Sue Frause

Here's the official word from the CATSA, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority:

"Effective immediately, CATSA is implementing temporary emergency measures at security checkpoints under the direction of Transport Canada. These measures are in response to a failed terrorist attack on board an aircraft from Amsterdam to Detroit on December 25, 2009. These new measures will affect all flights from Canada to the United States.

U.S.A. bound passengers are permitted zero carry-on bags effective immediately and lasting for several days. Passengers travelling within Canada are still permitted two carry-on bags (although to make the screening process most efficient, fewer carry-on items is preferred).

These rules will be strictly enforced during this period. There will be no flexibility.

Carry-on bag means items to which a passenger has access to during a flight, but does NOT include personal items such as medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags."

The luggage folks are on top of this; just today I received a press release from luggage and business case maker Briggs and Riley. It included a list of five laptop cases that are "specifically designed to accommodate a laptop plus a change of clothing and are available throughout Canada."They include the Fuse 20" Carry-n Computer Upright, 15.4" Executive Expandable Brief, 17" Executive Expandable Brief, 17" Executive Expandable Rolling Brief and the 15.4" Executive Expandable Rolling Brief. Prices range from $249-$389.